A man had to have his leg amputated after spending more than 20 hours trapped between rocks in a fast-flowing river.
The man, aged in his 60s, got his leg trapped between rocks while rafting with a group of friends down the rapids of Tasmania’s Franklin River at 2.30pm on Friday.
An emergency alert was sent from the international visitor’s smartwatch about an hour after he first got stuck and emergency services arrived shortly after.
Rescuers described the operation as “extremely challenging and technical.”
The man has since been flown to Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical condition.
A Westpac rescue helicopter and “specialist resources” were sent to help free the man.
These resources included paramedics, police, firefighters, Surf Life Saving Tasmania, the State Emergency Service and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
Several unsuccessful attempts were made to free him before officers decided to amputate his leg on Saturday.
A foreigner in his 60s had his leg amputated after he became trapped between rocks in the rapids of the Franklin River at 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
Emergency workers said the leg had already deteriorated before they arrived at the scene. “Tough decision” to cut him.
“This rescue was an extremely challenging and technical operation, and an incredible effort that took many hours to save the man’s life,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Doug Oosterloo.
“I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this operation under the most difficult circumstances.”